Quick fact: Brandon Roy is the only West All-Star, starter or reserve, not to make the post season (the injured Yao Ming not included). While that's an impressive accomplishment and says a lot about the quality of player Roy is, he's not havin' any of that. He wants in:

After spending the past few weeks closely watching the playoffs, Roy wants in. The Blazers should be a major factor in the Western Conference next season, especially with teams such as the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns showing their age.

"I have two years in the league and I'm ready for the postseason," Roy said. "I don't feel the pressure. I know that's where I want to be. Next year the gap isn't as wide and we know what it takes. And it's up to us to do it and stop talking about it. It's time we got to the playoffs again. We want to be in the playoffs because we know we are ready. I think that's everybody's goal."

Roy averaged 19.1 points and shot nearly 46 percent from the field this season. But his bruising drives to the basket took a toll. With the presence of Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge in the middle, Roy will seek to improve his perimeter game.

"There's going to be a lot of shooting (this summer) trying to stretch the defense out," he said. "We do have LaMarcus; he's really matured his game, so I want to be able to stretch the defense out with pull-up jumpers and catch and shoot. I need to open up my game and take less of a pounding on my body."

(Thanks to Greg for the link)

You have to love the work ethic of a player who has already established himself as a rising star in the league in just his second season. He's got the drive and hunger to work at making himself better and to help himself, and his team, take the next step. The playoffs.